“You don’t make a photograph just with a camera. You bring to the act of photography all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, the people you have loved.”
— Ansel Adams
Portrait by Maritza Caneca
Biography
Mateo, a lens-based artist, was born in Colombia and raised in Miami. His artistic practice revolves around the idea of collaboration as a means of societal progress. Through a collective and collaborative conversation between himself and his subjects, Mateo strives to shed light on perspectives that often go unnoticed in reality.
Working closely with dancers and utilizing the human anatomy as a foundation of geometry, Mateo captures the essence of movement in his artwork. He skillfully presents contradictory compositions that challenge the viewer's perception, inviting them to question their own understanding of the world. In this way, collaboration becomes paramount, as the audience becomes active participants in the ongoing conversation.
The environment plays a vital role in Mateo's artistic expression, as he believes that nature is at the core of our human existence. By capturing movement in his work, Mateo aims to unlock new possibilities for collective progress.
Mateo's artwork has garnered recognition and has been showcased in prestigious venues such as MOCA, New World Gallery, Cisneros-Fontanals Art Foundation, Mindy Solomon Gallery, and Coral Gables Museum. He earned his BFA from the University of Florida through the New World School of the Arts and currently maintains a studio at the Bakehouse Art Complex. Currently, Mateo is conducting a Project Residency at The Deering Estate, where he is dedicated to exploring the connections between ancestral energy, movement, and sound.
Artist Statement
Mateo's artistic practice is driven by an enduring fascination with the intersection of nature, light, and geometry. Collaboration is a cornerstone of his approach, as he believes that true progress is achieved through the exchange of multiple perspectives. This collaborative ethos is reflected in his dynamic dialogues with his subjects, resulting in a body of work that reveals hidden realities and previously unseen aspects of our surroundings.
At the heart of Mateo's work is a lens-based practice that explores the evolving conversations between light and geometry, drawing inspiration from the environment and the human form. Sculptural compositions are organized, responding to the surrounding environment, as dancers are invited to choreograph and perform movements that bring the compositions to life. The resulting works are inherently ephemeral, with improvisation playing a key role in their creation. As the environment changes, so too do the compositions, presenting new perspectives that inspire Mateo to continue the evolving cycle of creation and discovery.
The interplay of light and geometry lies at the heart of Mateo's work, with color serving as a powerful tool for influencing decision-making on a subconscious level. His pieces are designed to challenge the viewer's perception of reality and invite them to engage more deeply with the world around them. Mateo’s unbounded imagination and unwavering passion for pushing the boundaries of artistic expression are the driving forces behind his captivating work. With every click of his camera, Mateo seeks to inspire those who appreciate his art, revealing the beauty and complexity of our world.